validation - How to validate Spring MVC @PathVariable values?

Question

For a simple RESTful JSON api implemented in Spring MVC, can I use Bean Validation (JSR-303) to validate the path variables passed into the handler method?

For example:

 @RequestMapping(value = "/number/{customerNumber}")
 @ResponseBody
 public ResponseObject searchByNumber(@PathVariable("customerNumber") String customerNumber) {
 ...
 }

Here, I need to validate the customerNumber variables's length using Bean validation. Is this possible with Spring MVC v3.x.x? If not, what's the best approach for this type of validations?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Spring does not support @javax.validation.Valid on @PathVariable annotated parameters in handler methods. There was an Improvement request, but it is still unresolved.

Your best bet is to just do your custom validation in the handler method body or consider using org.springframework.validation.annotation.Validated as suggested in other answers.